Holiday Cookies? Candies? Treats to Gift?

[3113]

Or biscuits in the UK vernacular.

I'm trying to make up a tin of such and I need some thoughts on the best ones. Qualities should include (if possible):
1) Will last a while (one hopes they'll be gobbled up in a day, but just in case the recipient plans to make 'em last for a week or more...).
2) Have a holiday flavor to them, but also some originality.
3) Are relatively quick to whip up. I have a small kitchen, and I don't want to get bogged down with a batch that's uber-complicated.
4) Nice looking in and of themselves...meaning, I don't plan on decorating said cookies with anything more than some colored sugar, so they need to look appetizing au natural
5) Much as I hate to ask this...any Gluten free ideas? Everyone seems to be "gluten-free" crazy these days, so I figure I'd better make one cookie that's gluten free....

Any thoughts, help, advice much appreciated.

 

[_Lynn_]

I just won the Judge's Award in a cookie bake-off contest this morning using a simple recipe that belonged to my grandmother. If you want details about it, shoot me a PM.

 

[Weird Harold]

Or biscuits in the UK vernacular.

I'm trying to make up a tin of such and I need some thoughts on the best ones.

The basics would be Sugar Cookies, Gingerbread Men, Oatmeal-raisin, Peanut butter, and Molasses.

I prefer harder Sugar Cookies, but they can be too hard when they get left for a while.

My granddaughter specializes in "Ginger Ninjas" -- regular gingerbread men, but manipulated (before cooking) into "ninja" poses and decorated with masks and 'belts' indicating rank.

I'm not particularly fond of peanut butter cookies, but they're easy and don't require icing. Oatmeal (with or without raisins or nuts) also can be left undecorated.

Oatmeal cookies should be the easiest to make Gluten Free as they would naturally be lowest in gluten without modification -- simply substitute Gluten Free flour in the recipe.

 

[3113]

The basics would be Sugar Cookies, Gingerbread Men, Oatmeal-raisin, Peanut butter, and Molasses.

Peanut butter & oatmeal don't strike me as holiday cookies. I mean, I know people give them as such, but I'm after cookies that are more "once-a-year" treats. Like gingerbread.

Speaking of which, the gingerbread ninjas sound like a hoot. Great idea and I'll keep it in mind. Maybe for more of a party idea than gift giving as I'm all on my own with this and not planing on doing much decorating of cookies.

I have decided on Hermit Bars which are a kind of gingerbread/molasses biscotti (not so dry as that) with raisins. Old, traditional and easy to make. That covers those two categories.

As for the sugar cookies—which as you say are a must—maybe maple favored?

 

[Carnal_Flower]

What about Corn Flake wreaths? Always a HUGE hit. Just look up the recipe. Corn flakes, butter, and melted marshmallows. Messy but easier than sugar

cookies.http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Christmas-Wreaths-367829

Or Magic Bars. Very very easy. Another guaranteed hit.

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/magic-cookie-bars-from-eagle-brand/

Best Christmas Molasses Cookie ever:

http://joythebaker.com/2008/11/sugar-crusted-ginger-chewies/

 

[Weird Harold]

As for the sugar cookies—which as you say are a must—maybe maple favored?

Maple Sugar cookies are good, but I think vanilla or almond flavor are better. I have had orange and lemon flavored sugar cookies that are not bad, but you'd have to experiment to find the right amount of flavoring (or find a recipe online.)

Decorating Ginger Ninjas isn't all that difficult or time consuming -- it probably takes less time than rolling and cutting the gingerbread men in the first place.

ETA: http://ericarnoldphotography.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/assignment-26-holiday-traditions-scale.jpg?w=800&h=

I am also informed that they are properly called "Ninjabread Cookies."

I'm also belatedly informed that they are a separate set of cookie cutters from the standard gingerbread man cutter: http://www.amazon.com/mon-NJA-Ninjabread-Cookie-Cutters/dp/B0045EQ8VC